Republic lady basketballers open season with hard fought road losses

Coach Kris Flood knew it might take a while for the offense to get rolling for his Lady Tigers. His worries were borne out in two road losses to start the season in the Kansas City area. Republic struggled to score in both games, losing 45–26 to Lee’s Summit West in their season opener, then losing at Liberty North, 43–34.
In the first game of the year, Republic managed just one field goal in the first half, falling behind 19–9 by halftime. They managed just six field goals in the entire game.
“I anticipated a little bit of a struggle for us early in the season, just until we get used to each other and everybody [figures] out roles,” Flood said. “So some of it was on us. We definitely looked a little hesitant.”
Lee’s Summit West was a tall challenge for the Lady Tigers to start the season, literally. With a much bigger lineup, and a slew of returning starters, the Titans were a difficult matchup for a Republic team that had three first-time varsity starters.
“They do a tremendous job. I told the kids, I’d say at the end of the year you’re going to see Lee’s Summit West in the top 10, if not top five. They’ve got a lot of kids back with a ton of experience and I think Coach [Jeff] Hardin … kind of anticipated that … he’s got a chance to make a run,” Flood said.
In the second game, Republic’s defense kept it in the game until Liberty North pulled away down the stretch. The Eagles led 20–19 at halftime and 27–23 after three quarters, but outscored Republic 16–11 in the fourth quarter.
Halli Bartelsmeyer led Republic with 13 points.
Flood says he’s not concerned that the offensive difficulties will last all season, as his team gains more experience.
“I think it’s just going to be a matter of time. We’ll get it figured out,” he said.